Chapter 813: Mixed Reactions

On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the Mid-Autumn Festival night, at Chongyuan Hall.

As was customary, the Son of Heaven hosted a banquet for the assembled ministers. Chongyuan Hall was grand and imposing, with colorful ribbons densely draped and palace lanterns hung high, the festive atmosphere quite rich—yet compared to previous years, the scale was somewhat smaller. Only the chancellors and the principal and deputy ministers of the various ministries and bureaus—those in power—were summoned to the palace for the feast. As the campaign against Shu was progressing smoothly, the two circumstances complemented each other, making the occasion all the more celebratory.

"Ministers!" Liu Chengyou, as usual, cup in hand, walked down from the imperial dais to the center of the hall, cast a glance around, and delivered his opening remarks: "It is now the tenth year of Qianyou. Many of you seated here have accompanied Us through these ten years of spring and autumn—ten years of hardship, braving wind and rain, cutting through thorns and brambles—and only thus have we arrived at today!"

Liu Chengyou's words praised everyone present. Hearing this, the assembled ministers were naturally overjoyed, their faces beaming with smiles. Fan Zhi then spoke up, saying that it was only under His Majesty's wise leadership that the Great Han had achieved its present prosperity, and that his subordinates dared not claim any credit. On formal occasions, Fan Zhi was still quite willing to give the Emperor face, and when it came to flattery, he held nothing back.

Liu Chengyou appeared entirely relaxed, holding his wine cup level with his chest while gesturing lightly with one hand, continuing: "There is fighting at the front, so the court should not hold lavish celebrations. But after all, this is a fine festival—We have prepared some modest wine and dishes, along with some small cakes and moon pastries, to share with you all!"

"We thank Your Majesty!"

"Ministers, raise your cups and drink with Us!" Liu Chengyou remained composed throughout, controlling the rhythm: "This first cup is dedicated to the officers and soldiers on the front lines of the Shu campaign, who cast aside thoughts of life and death and fight the enemy with valor. The bright moon hangs in the sky—let us share our thoughts and encouragement with them!"

"This second cup is dedicated to all of you seated here, who for many years have diligently served the state, governed the country, and brought peace to the people—a reward for your toil!"

"This third cup is a wish for the Great Han: may the nation's fortune flourish, may it prosper day by day, may it unify the realm, forge a new great enterprise, and restore peace to all!"

Three cups in succession, the Son of Heaven and the high ministers drank together, and the atmosphere was driven to its climax from the very start. Afterward, everyone did as they pleased—the ministers exchanged toasts among themselves, while Liu Chengyou personally offered wine to Fan Zhi, Wei Renpu, Li Gu, Guo Rong, Murong Yanzhao, and other key civil and military officials, to express his respect and trust.

The night banquet at Chongyuan Hall lasted less than half a shichen. Once the proper sentiments had been conveyed, Liu Chengyou ordered the feast concluded, sending everyone home to enjoy the moon with their families. Before they left, Liu Chengyou had prepared a "mooncake gift box" for each attending minister.

After leaving Chongyuan Hall, the brothers Liu Chengyou and Liu Chenghsun went together to Ciming Hall, where a Mid-Autumn family banquet awaited them at the Empress Dowager's residence.

Prince Yong, Liu Chenghsun, currently held the post of Minister of Works at court. Originally, after Li Gu had been promoted to chancellor, Liu Chengyou had considered having him serve as Governor of Kaifeng, but in the end he abandoned the idea. After all, his sons were gradually growing up—the eldest prince, Liu Xu, was already ten years old. The sons of ordinary commoners could already help with household chores at that age, and as imperial princes, they needed to mature even earlier.

Inside Ciming Hall, Liu Chengyou's consorts and children numbered over twenty, plus Liu Chenghsun's entire family, the Empress Dowager's relatives who had come to the capital, and other consorts' kin from the outer court. Compared to Chongyuan Hall, it seemed even livelier—children crying out, adults laughing. Even though Liu Chengyou normally preferred quiet, he could not help but be infected by the atmosphere, breaking into a cheerful smile. The happiest of all, of course, was the Empress Dowager, Lady Li.

"Father Zhou!" Liu Chengyou had drunk quite a bit, and walked over to Zhou Zong's table, calling out with a smile.

Zhou Zong's family sat together with Pure Consort Zhou. As the eldest person in the hall, already past eighty, his hair was completely white, yet he had a ruddy complexion and youthful vigor—he still seemed to be in good health. As the Emperor's father-in-law and Duke of Guangling of the Great Han, though he had originally come as a captive from the south, thanks to his advanced age, esteemed virtue, and habitual low profile, Zhou Zong's days in Kaifeng were passing quite comfortably.

Holding the seventh prince, Liu Hui, who was over a year old, in his arms, the old man laughed with great joy, the wrinkles on his face radiating kindness. Seeing Liu Chengyou approach in person, Zhou Zong hurriedly returned the prince to the elder Lady Zhou, composed his expression, and prepared to bow.

Liu Chengyou was quick to react, reaching out to gently pat his back, and said with a magnanimous smile: "This is a family banquet. You are an elder, and I am a son-in-law—no need for such formalities!"

"I thank Your Majesty!" Zhou Zong's face showed gratitude.

Looking at him, his head full of silver hair, Liu Chengyou said: "Earlier, at your eightieth birthday celebration, I was busy with state affairs and could not attend in person to offer congratulations. I hope you will forgive me!"

"Your Majesty speaks too gravely! Your Majesty labors tirelessly, always mindful of the nation and its people in every word and deed. How could I, an old and frail man, be allowed to cause any delay? If that were the case, I too would be uneasy at heart!" Zhou Zong shook his head in reply, appearing highly conscientious.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou smiled, raised his cup, and said: "Come, I dedicate this cup to my father-in-law's longevity!"

"Many thanks to Your Majesty!" Zhou Zong did not stand on ceremony, responding.

Liu Chengyou said: "When you reach your ninetieth birthday, I will personally come to your residence to beg a cup of celebratory wine!"

Zhou Zong: "If this old minister lives to see that day, I will sweep my residence clean, bathe and purify myself, and await Your Majesty's arrival!"

"Haha!" Liu Chengyou laughed heartily: "Then we, father-in-law and son-in-law, have made our pact!"

Zhou Zong echoed the laugh, though he did not truly believe he could live another ten years. But on such an occasion, it was not appropriate to say anything to dampen the mood. Besides, the Son of Heaven's attitude was so gentle that he naturally went along with it.

His gaze sweeping over, Liu Chengyou noticed the delicate, exquisitely beautiful young girl sitting beside Pure Consort Zhou. With a face full of gentle smiles, he said: "This is Little Zhou, isn't it? It's been a long time—you've grown again!"

The young lady's eyes were bright and spirited. She showed no timidity before Liu Chengyou, instead boldly meeting his gaze, studying him with curious eyes, and said in a clear, light voice: "Your Majesty's beard has grown longer too!"

"Do not be rude!" Zhou Zong lightly scolded her, then said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty, my daughter is ill-mannered—please forgive her!"

"Children's words know no taboo! Besides, Little Zhou is quite right—my beard has indeed grown longer! I like hearing the truth!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand, laughed heartily, and even stroked his chin—it was indeed much thicker.

In his early years, Liu Chengyou had only kept short stubble, which carried a certain allure. In recent years, however, he had let it grow longer and longer, seemingly reflecting a change in his state of mind.

Bending down, Liu Chengyou beckoned to Little Zhou. The young lady came forward, still gazing at him boldly. Liu Chengyou asked her: "What did you just call me?"

"Your Majesty!" The young girl tilted her head slightly and replied.

A hint of drunkenness appeared on Liu Chengyou's face. He half-closed his eyes and gently shook his head: "Wrong!"

Seeing this, a trace of confusion showed on the young girl's delicate face, and she tried again: "His Majesty?"

Liu Chengyou still shook his head.

Her small lips pursed slightly. It was only after the elder Lady Zhou whispered something in her ear that the younger Lady Zhou once again revealed a smile as radiant as spring flowers and called out sweetly: "Brother-in-law!"

Liu Chengyou chuckled, in excellent spirits, patted her head, exchanged a few more words with Zhou Zong, and moved on to another table. As Emperor, he was not only the master of the realm but also the patriarch of a family—he ought to show some consideration to his relatives.

Later that night, Liu Chengyou was helped, thoroughly drunk, onto the imperial palanquin to return to the palace. It had been a long time since he had been so inebriated—he was usually very restrained—but this time, riding the Mid-Autumn atmosphere, he released the joy in his heart over the progress of the Shu campaign. His resting place for the night was, naturally, Empress Fu's Kunming Hall.

It was also Mid-Autumn, but the scholars and commoners of Chengdu found the festival utterly tasteless. With defeat reports from the north arriving one after another, the earth splitting and mountains crumbling, the city swaying in wind and rain, the entire Brocade Official City was shrouded in a thick pall of gloom, with no one knowing when the clouds would part to reveal the sun. Rumors flew everywhere, and unrest was the truest portrayal of this famed city of Yizhou.

The Han army's edge was unstoppable, and the Great Shu was declining day by day, with everyone from top to bottom in a state of anxiety. Of course, the most anxious were, first, the common people at the bottom—whenever war came, it was always they who suffered; and second, naturally, Emperor Meng Chang in the Shu palace. The omens of destruction were nearly stamped upon his brow. He had read through the histories thoroughly—from ancient times, rulers of fallen states never fared well, their safety uncertain. Even Liu Shan, who was known to have enjoyed a comfortable end, could one be certain his heart held not a single trace of fear?

By comparison, the nobles and officials of the Shu court were somewhat more at ease. Some had long been in contact with the Great Han and had confidence in their prospects. Others believed that if the banner of the Great Shu fell, they could simply switch to serving the Great Han court—if Han wished to govern Shu, it would have to rely on them, the "local snakes." From ancient times to the present, it had always been so.

Additionally, news had arrived of the Han court's handling of Jinghu—though some had been dismissed from their posts, on the whole it had been incorporated smoothly. Chuanshu was far vaster and wealthier than Jinghu—how could the Han court fail to attach importance to it?

Within the Shu palace, a Mid-Autumn imperial banquet was likewise held, but it quickly ended in a bleak and desolate atmosphere. Meng Chang withdrew midway through the feast, returning to the rear hall with a heavy heart, and summoned the Prince of Qin, Meng Xuanzhe, along with several key ministers.

"Where have the Han troops reached?" Meng Chang looked dejectedly at the acting Commissioner of Military Affairs, Ouyang Jiong.

"To answer Your Majesty, according to reports, the Han army has already advanced south from Jianzhou and is marching on Mianzhou. Commissioner Yi has massed his troops at Baxi, intending to block them!" Ouyang Jiong reported cautiously.

Indeed, after the great victory at Lizhou, the Han army had rested for three days, then marched on Jianzhou, their spearhead aimed directly at the natural fortress of Jiange in Xichuan. Just as the Han ministers had guessed, after the disastrous defeat at Lizhou, Meng Chang did not send another commander north to take charge of the troops, but instead directly appointed Yi Shenzheng as commander-in-chief to oversee the defense of Jianzhou.

And results quickly materialized—the same old tactic: sending a detachment on a circuitous route south of Jianmen while the main force attacked head-on. This style of warfare was nothing new. Though Yi Shenzheng was mediocre, he had taken some precautions, likewise dividing his forces to resist.

And the result? He failed to manage both fronts. Jiange fell, Jianzhou was lost, and in a single battle nearly thirty thousand Shu troops were annihilated, most of them captured. Of course, the quality of this batch of Shu troops was somewhat inferior to the soldiers at Lizhou.

As for Yi Shenzheng, he fled with remarkable speed, leading his remnant forces in retreat to Mianzhou. With Jianmen lost, the scattered Shu troops at other passes and cities to the north surrendered one after another. Most critically, the route into Chengdu was now completely open, with no more natural defenses to hold. Had it not been for a stretch of autumn rain lasting several days that delayed the advance, the Han army would already have arrived at the gates of Chengdu.

"Over thirty thousand troops, the natural fortress of Jiange—even he, Yi Shenzheng, could not hold it. How then can Mianzhou be defended? Can Baxi be held? Do the soldiers still have any will to fight?" Meng Chang at this moment saw the situation with perfect clarity, his voice heavy with frustration: "The troops at Lizhou numbered barely twenty thousand, yet they managed to tangle with the Han army for nearly twenty days. He, Yi Shenzheng, had more troops and a more formidable pass—and could not hold out for even seven days!"

"Yi Shenzheng truly cannot repel a powerful enemy or protect the state. I regret not heeding my mother's words!" Meng Chang lamented.